This book left me incapable of any coherent thoughts for hours after I finished it. The only thought in my head was how I could get more of this addictive writing style, the banter between characters, and the serious, and yet at times lighthearted way that this book unfolded. I couldn’t get enough of Lou, Reid, Ansel, and Coco. Now, of all of the YA fantasy books that I have read this year, this one definitely has more mature themes, more explicit sex, as well as some trigger warnings that people might hesitate when it comes to picking up this title. Physical assault and the use of drugs to incapacitate someone were two that I think readers might want to know about before getting started. However, this is still a stunning read, so I urge you to pick it up if you can move past these things.
We begin this story with Lou(ise) Le Blanc, a young woman hiding in the city of Cesarine after fleeing her mother’s coven and forsaking the usage of magic. She’s survived by living as a thief, because in Cesarine, witches are being hunted and burned at the steak without mercy. On the complete opposite side we see Reid Diggory, a young man who’s sworn his life to his church as a Chasseur, a witch hunter with the creed: “Thou shall not suffer a witch to live”. When Reid and Lou’s worlds collide in a wicked little scandal, they are forced into marriage, or suffer the ultimate consequences of their actions. As the war between witches and the church begin to escalate, Lou’s safety now hinges on the choices she makes for herself, as well as the Chasseur she’s begging to have feelings for.
I don’t think there are enough adjectives to describe what I felt when I was going through the story, but I was mesmerised by the words on the page. At 528 pages, I don’t remember how I got from page one to 224, much less to the end. I was rapt with attention to the little details that brought these characters off the page, the little nuggets of information nestled within the story to give readers a teasing glance at what might be on the next page, but without giving too much away. Mahurin cleverly hid daggers that stabbed you in the gut when you least expected it, and even when you did, it hurt nonetheless.
Lou is defiant, courageous, and full of bravado to mask just how truly afraid she is. Afraid for her life and the life of her fellow sisters, Lou has been making choices to help her survive. Her past is one rife with horrid tragedy, so it’s understandable that she’s more than a little guarded, using her bravado to temper even the most frightening of situations in the book. My favourite aspect of her is that nothing is seen as black and white to her, everything is seen in shades of: “gray, charcoal, and ash”. You’ll be hard pressed not to look at the world through her perspective, loving her all the more as you get through the book.
On the other hand, Reid is definitely a prude, rule following man who follows the rules in a nearly self-sacrificing way. His swagger comes from knowing he’s better than you, and boy did I delight in Lou taking that perspective flipping it on its head and lighting it on fire. Watching this man crumble under Lou’s often infuriating (to him) machinations will have you cackling with laughter. Underneath that prudish exterior, Lou manages to find a spirit which might not be all that different from hers, and there are moments where you’re wondering if they’re going to grow from this or if that passion that’s beginning to erupt is going to consume them both to ash. I’m a sucker for the enemies to lovers trope, and this one does not disappoint. There is also an explicit sex scene, which might age this book a little out of YA and more into New Adult (which I do feel needs its own category…but that’s a fight for another day).
Coco and Ansel, as well as a couple of other favourites, I hesitate to discuss because I don’t trust myself to spoil something are just as complex as Lou and Reid, with backstories that I feel are worthy of their own novels. I love their spirit and friendships they cultivate with Lou and Reid, despite their different world views and lifestyles. The world of Cesarine is explored well, but I would argue that this story is more driven by the characters than anything else. Because of Lou and Reid, I wanted to get to know Cesarine more, from the eyes of the thief as well as the Chasseur.
The use of the French language was fun for me, but some readers might not like that, so I’m hoping the final version might have a glossary for those not versed in the language. I will say that if you’re versed in Spanish, you’ll struggle less, especially with some of the curse words. However, this shouldn’t be a reason to stop you from reading this book, because it helps create a more realistic world, considering that this witch hunt story is happening in a French fantasy world.
I thought the pace was perfect, but then again, this was the kind of read where the sun came and went and I didn’t even notice. Nor did I eat, which left me ravenous by the time I finished, not just for food, but for more story. I’m pretty sure my husband was the one who turned on the light for fear of me ruining my vision!
I’m going to rate this book a 10/10. The twists and turns of this story are dripping with drama, humour, and darkness, but with a hope that everything might hopefully not end in death. Please pick up this book if you’re able, because I’m desperate to talk to someone else about it!
Serpent & Dove is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers as of September 3rd 2019.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Bound as one to love, honor, or burn.
Two years ago, Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took shelter in the city of Cesarine, forsaking all magic and living off whatever she could steal. There, witches like Lou are hunted. They are feared. And they are burned.
Sworn to the Church as a Chasseur, Reid Diggory has lived his life by one principle: thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. His path was never meant to cross with Lou’s, but a wicked stunt forces them into an impossible union—holy matrimony.
The war between witches and Church is an ancient one, and Lou’s most dangerous enemies bring a fate worse than fire. Unable to ignore her growing feelings, yet powerless to change what she is, a choice must be made.
And love makes fools of us all.
